Hearts of Gold to serve HopeKids

Hearts of Gold is Herriman High School’s yearly charity drive. It started three years ago when the school opened, and to date has raised more than $46,000. Previous beneficiaries are The South Valley Sanctuary and Children’s Justice Center.

 This year, Hearts of Gold organizers have chosen HopeKids as their project.

 “Our goal is to expand out to the entire community of Herriman and get everyone involved. The more support we can get, the better we can serve these kids,” Zac Garside, Herriman student body president, said.

 HopeKids is a national organization with a local chapter in Utah that holds events for children with cancer or other life-threatening medical conditions. Organizers feel that events and other activities provide anticipation and give a child another reason to fight for life.

 “Hope is a powerful medicine. There is nothing quite like it to support kids in their time of need,” Zac said.

 The charity drive for this year will begin with a kick-off assembly on Nov. 30 to educate the student body about the needs the children served by HopeKids have, and how the money they help to raise will be put to use.

 Also on Nov. 30, the student body officers will by sponsoring an “Ugly Sweater Stomp.” This dance will cost $5 per person, and all funds raised will be donated to HopeKids.

 Dec. 11 is Hearts of Gold night at the Sizzler in The District in South Jordan. A portion of all proceeds that night will be donated to the charity.

 Ryan Shupe and the Rubberband will be performing Dec. 17 at 7 p.m. in the Herriman High auditorium. Tickets will be available at the main office or at the door the evening of the performance.

 More than 17 Herriman High clubs are sponsoring activities to help raise funds for HopeKids.

 “These charity drives are nice because all 2,000 students come together with one common purpose. It has a lasting impact on our entire high school and on our community. The Herriman community can see that the students of Herriman High are giving back,” Sterling Hunt, teacher and student body adviser, said.